Air cooling device

ABSTRACT

A vest including inflatable tubes or chambers which receive cool air from a blower box. The vest includes an outer surface and inner surface, the two surfaces joined to define a multiplicity of tubes. The tubes carry jets which may vent cool air, received from a remote cool air blower box. The jets will ventilate the skin of the wearer both where it is exposed and where the skin is covered by the garment itself.

This application claims priority from, incorporates by reference, and isa continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/640,347,filed Aug. 13, 2003, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/453,437, filed Jun. 3, 2003, which is acontinuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/375,526,filed Feb. 27, 2003, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/886,588 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,574), filedJun. 21, 2001 and claims priority from provisional patent application60/212,949 filed Jun. 21, 2000.

This application is a continuation-in-part of, claims priority from, andincorporates by reference, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/085,446,filed Mar. 21, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Air cooling devices, more specifically, an air cooling device comprisingan endothermic substrate bearing container with an air circulation meansfor circulating air from outside the container, about the endothermicsubstrate and, chilled, exhausted from the container.

BACKGROUND

Humans can function optimally, in comfort, over only a fairly narrowambient temperature range. Adjustment of the amount and type of clothingwill afford some relief from ambient temperature, especially addingclothing for comfort in a cold environment. However, as temperaturerises conditioning the ambient air, typically by some form of heatextraction often, is the only solution to maintaining a comfortable,tolerable air temperature. Typically, such heat extraction is performedby air conditioners. Air conditioners operate on the principle of heatabsorption as a composition such as freon or other refrigerant changesphase from a liquid to a gas. Water, for example, will absorb about 550calories of heat per gram when changing from water at 100° C. to watervapor at 100° C. (at one atmosphere of pressure). On the other hand, onegram of water will release 540 calories of heat when changing from watervapor at 100° C. to liquid water at 100° C. Air conditioners, however,are heavy, expensive and complex. Also, they require compressors toprovide energy to power the gas to liquid phase change. Furthermore,they are designed to condition air masses defined by buildings orvehicle structures such as a room of a building or an interiorcompartment of a vehicle, rather than conditioning the air directlyadjacent to the body of an occupant, that is, the occupant's“microenvironment”.

Air conditioners are undesirable, for example, in cooling a cabin of asmall or light aircraft such as a 2, 4 or 6 place airplane. In suchlight aircraft, there is a fairly small cabin space and anything thatadds weight to the aircraft decreases its performance and payload. Thus,many light aircraft do not have air conditioning systems. Moreover,complicating this deficiency is the often limited ability to move airbetween the outside and the inside of the aircraft via ducts or windows.Thus, it may often get quite warm in the small interior cabin space of alight aircraft, especially when it is parked or tied down for a periodof time on an airport apron. The warm air cabin environment of a lightaircraft is not conducive to the concentration required for the pilot tooperate the aircraft, especially during critical take-off or landingprocedures. After the aircraft climbs to altitude, the outside air isusually sufficient to cool, even with small ducts, the interior of theaircraft cabin. However, this does not help when the aircraft has beensitting for a period of time in the hot air on the ground.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

What is needed and has heretofore been unavailable is a small, light,efficient, simple and inexpensive device for cooling a small cabin areaor the occupant's microenvironment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicant provides for these and other objects of the invention byproviding a light, inexpensive air cooling and distribution system foruse in a vehicle or with the microenvironment of an occupant.

Applicant provides for these and other objects by providing an aircooling device which is capable of cooling either cabin air or theoccupant's microenvironment through the use of a heat absorbing mass.

Applicant achieves these and other objects by providing a small, light,air cooling device comprising an insulated container containing anendothermic substrate which will absorb heat upon changing phase and,which further includes a means for distributing ambient air across theendothermic substrate and distributing the cooled air.

Applicant provides to these and other objects by providing a smallinexpensive lightweight air distribution cooler distribution system fora vehicle that is powered by the vehicle's electrical system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross section elevational view of Applicant's air coolingdevice with masses of ice supported on a frame in the container thereof.

FIG. 1A is a cross sectional device of Applicant's air cooling devicewith some of the ice melted and showing the blower motor energized andair being drawn through the device.

FIG. 1B is a front elevational view of Applicant's air cooling device.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of Applicant's air cooling device.

FIG. 3 is a exploded perspective view of the frame that is incorporatedin the container of Applicant's cooling device.

FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of the blower motor inlet ofApplicant's air cooling device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective elevational view of the drop-in box ofApplicant's present invention.

FIG. 6 is an alternative preferred embodiment of Applicant's air coolingdevice.

FIG. 6A is a partial view of intake vents of Applicant's air coolingdevice which utilize door closer means.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an environment, here the interior of anaircraft, in which Applicant's air cooling device is used whichillustration also features some of the additional features ofApplicant's air cooling device.

FIG. 8 is an alternative preferred embodiment of an outlet nozzle ofApplicant's present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of Applicant's air cooling device in use.

FIG. 10 is a partial view in perspective, the anti-back flow valve ofApplicant's present invention.

FIG. 11 is an alternate preferred embodiment of Applicant's presentinvention.

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are alternate preferred embodiments ofApplicant's present invention.

FIG. 12 is an alternative preferred embodiment of a cooling device foruse with microenvironmental cooling of an individual.

FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14 are all various adaptations of Applicant's microcooling nozzles adapted for use with cooling air adjacent an individual.

FIG. 15 is an alternate preferred embodiment of Applicant's novel devicewherein the nozzle engages an article of clothing of the user for microcooling.

FIG. 16 is yet another adaptation of Applicant's air cooling device in amicroenvironmental cooling adaptation.

FIG. 16A illustrates a side elevational cutaway view of an alternatepreferred embodiment for Applicant's novel cooling device attached to asupport surface.

FIG. 17 is a top elevational view of the base of the alternate preferredembodiment of Applicant's present invention as set forth in 16A above.

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of the base of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cut away view inside elevation of a hand operated waterpump for use of Applicant's novel cooling device.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a lid and blower for use withApplicant's insulated housing which lid and blower is adapted to preventor ice from entering the blower.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of an inflatable vest for attachment to acoolant source.

FIG. 21B is a back elevational view of a vest for use with the coolantsource.

FIG. 21C is a top elevational view of the vest of FIGS. 21A and B laidout rather than illustrated as one by user.

FIG. 22 is a alternate preferred embodiment of a garment for use with acooling device in side perspective view.

FIG. 22A is an alternate preferred embodiment of Applicant's presentinvention inside perspective view featuring an ice chest conduit motorand temperature regulator for moving cool air to and from a garment suchas a vest.

FIG. 22B is a side perspective view of the temperature regulator box foruse with the alternate preferred embodiment of Applicant's coolingsystem featured in FIG. 22A.

FIG. 23A is a top elevational view of a sleeping bag for use withApplicant's novel cooling system.

FIG. 23B is a cooling blanket in top perspective view, for use withApplicant's present invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates a configuration that allows air to be drawn into ablower box 400 from a room air conditioner outlet 402 to a flexible duct404. The blower box 400 includes a blower motor for 406 and one morefoot control pedals for 408 to control the flow and pressure to one ormore blower box outlets 410 which can be connected by conduits to one ormore surgical garments for cooling of the surgeons.

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate in side elevational and top elevationalviews a novel cooler vest.

FIG. 26 illustrates a side elevational view of Applicant's novel coolervest in the manner in which it may port air to the body of the user.

FIG. 27 illustrates, in side elevational view additional features ofApplicant's novel cooler vest and cooling system including a blower box.

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of Applicant's cooler vest.

FIGS. 29A and 29B illustrate side elevational and perspective views ofmodifications to Applicant's novel cooler vest for use with a“spacesuit” type surgical gown.

FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate, in elevational view, a number of novelfeatures of Applicant's cooler vest that may regulate the velocity andquantity of air flow throughout the vest.

FIG. 31 illustrates, in perspective view, a system of using a number ofApplicant's invention as described herein to provide cooledmicroenvironments to workers in the workplace.

FIG. 32A illustrates a system of mobile transportation and use ofApplicant's novel cooler vest in perspective view.

FIG. 32B illustrates in side elevational view means for ducting cool airfrom an automobile a/c unit to a remote cooler vest.

FIG. 33 illustrates, in perspective view, a method of manufacturingApplicant's novel cooler vest.

FIG. 34 illustrates a side elevational view of a means for connectingthe hose to a blower box.

FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrate, in perspective, couplers or connectors foruse with engaging a hose to either a vest or a blower box.

FIG. 36A is a side elevational view of a hose connector for connecting ahose to a blower box and a means to regulate the amount of air enteringthe hose from the blower box.

FIG. 36B is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 36A withfurther detail and structure provided.

FIG. 36C is a perspective view of the use of the hose connectordisconnect and regulated air flow mechanisms integral to a blower box.

FIG. 37 is a novel cushion for seating thereon, which may be used with asource of cooled pressurized air.

FIGS. 38A through 38C are perspective views for a valve that may be usedwith any of the devices or structure disclosed in this application, forexample, the novel cushion set forth in FIG. 37 or the cooler vest.

FIG. 38D is an exploded view of a rotary valve for use with Applicant'spresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first embodiment of Applicant's novel heat reduction device (10) isfound in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B and 2. With reference to these figures andthose that follow, it is seen that Applicant provides a heat reductionsystem (10) comprising an insulated container, typically a six sidedrectangular box (12), the box including a lid (14), typically insulated.The walls of the box (12) including where the removable lid (14) isfitted as part thereof are sealed except as provided with the vents,etc., as set forth below. The box (12) may be manufactured from one ormore of the following: plastic, foam or any other suitable insulatingmaterial. The box may have any number of shapes including therectangular shape illustrated. Typical dimensions for a rectangular boxare approximately 15″ in width, 17″ in height and.

Applicant's novel invention includes providing for placement within thebox (12) (typically by removing the lid and placing it therein), anendothermic substrate (15). The endothermic substrate (15) is a mass ofa composition which will absorb heat in undergoing a phase change, forexample from a solid to a liquid or from a solid to a gas, which phasechange and heat absorption typically occurs at temperatures below about70° F. Illustrated as one such endothermic substrate in FIGS. 1 and 1Ais a mass of ice, here illustrated as a multiplicity of ice cubes. Watertypically freezes at 0° C. (32° F.) and, one gram of ice at 0° C. willabsorb 80 calories of heat in a phase change to water at 0° C. The waterso formed, will in turn continue to absorb heat at the rate of onecalorie per gram until equilibrium with the environment is reached.Thus, Applicant provides an endothermic substrate (15) which may beplaced inside the insulated box (12) and will absorb heat undergoing aphase change. Substrates other than ice may be used, for example: “dryice” (CO₂ which will sublimate, or change from a solid directly to agas), “blue-ice/gel packs” or other similar substrates.

It is noted that box (12) includes walls defining air intake vents orslots (16). In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B and 2, itis seen that air intake slots (16) are incorporated into lid (14) ofbox. However, other walls of the box including the side walls may beused to define air intake slots (see for example FIG. 6). The functionof the air intake slots (16) is to provide a means for air outside ofthe container to enter the container. See FIG. 6A for use of a quartercylinder door (59) for use in conjunction with lid and slots 16. Heredoor (59) includes hinges (59A) on which door member (59B) hangs, whichoptionally may have a weight (59C) to help it maintain vertical orclosed position when the blower motor (30) is off.

Typically, endothermic substrate (15) is supported within the interiorof the insulated container or box (12) through the use of a frame (18).For example, with reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, and 3, it is seen that frame(18) is made up of a number of components. These include ductwork/support legs (20) and a number of grid platforms here, upper andlower grid platforms (22) and (24), respectively. It is seen that frame(18) comprises an assembly that can support grid platforms (22) and (24)bearing an endothermic substrate (15) while allowing air to passthrough, and, in the embodiment illustrated in these figures, alsoincorporates duct work engageable with the insulated container (12) toguide air entering the container through the air intake slot (16) (seeFIGS. 1 and 1A).

Different types of frames may be used to hold the endothermic substrate(15) within the box (12). Typically, a frame will provide the longestpossible path for contact between the air and the substrate (15).

Turning now to FIG. 3 for further details of the frame, it is seen thatduct work/support legs (20) include depending members (20A) for holdingand maintaining the grid platforms (22/24) above the bottom surface ofthe interior of the container. The depending leg members (20A) also havean opening therebetween defining a primary intake vent (20B) throughwhich intake air may circulate (see FIG. 1). It is seen with referenceto FIGS. 1A and 3 that frame (18) also defines a secondary intake vent(20C). This is an opening through which air may move as seen in FIG. 1Awhen water (from the melted ice) blocks the primary intake vent (20B).The secondary intake vent (20C) is controlled by a secondary intakevalve (26) which is mounted on valve mounting stubs (20D) so as to hangvertically under the weight of gravity against the inner walls of ductwork/support legs (20). It is seen then that if the air pressure islowered inside of the frame such as would be the case if the air wereevacuated from the interior space of the frame (as seen in FIG. 1A), thesecondary intake valve (26) will move inward or away from the walls ofthe duct work/support legs (20) (assuming no ice is blocking thismovement). Finally, it is seen that walls of duct work/support legs (20)also define grid platform support stubs (20E). These will engage aportion of the grid platforms (22/24) to support the grid platformsabove the floor of the interior of the box or container (12).

A blower (29) is provided for engagement with the box (12) to remove airfrom the interior of the box as seen in FIGS. 1 and 1A. Blower (29) mayconsist of a blower motor (30) such as an electrical powered motor, themotor (30) attached to a blower prop or fan (32). The blower (29) may beattached to the box (12) at any point, but illustrated here is theincorporation of the blower to a portion of the lid which contains a lidcutout (31) here shown with a protective screen (31A). The blower fan(32) is positioned in the plane of lid cutout (31) and with motor (30)engaged, it is seen that blower (29) will evacuate air from the interiorof the box (12) out a blower duct (34) into one or more cool airdistribution ducts (40) (see FIG. 2). Note that blower motor (30) istypically provided with aircraft electrical system interface orconnector (38) which in turn is connected to the blower motor (30) toone or more blower motor leads (36). Aircraft electrical systeminterface (38) may be a commercial off the shelf unit which is designedto engage a cigarette lighter as an electrical energy source port or anyauxiliary energy source port of the aircraft electrical system. Blowermotor (30) is typically supported in the blower duct (34), centrallylocated and axially aligned therewith via the use of blower motor mountslots (35) (see FIG. 4).

Note with reference to FIGS. 1B and 2 that cool air distribution ducts(40) may include cool air duct elbows (42), cool air outlet nozzles(44), and cool air directional adjusters (46). Both the cool air ductelbows (42) and outlet nozzles (44) are also designed to physicallyadjust both vertically and horizontally to the user needs. Specificallycool air duct elbows (42) enables a user to position outlet nozzles (44)by rotating the air duct elbows (42) on its axis to direct air flow.Outlet nozzles (44) are designed to be raised and lowered on a verticalaxis to also direct air flow, by using telescoping air distributionducts (40A/40B) (see FIG. 2). Both embodiments are designed to allow theheat reduction system (10) to remain functional while positioning theoutlet nozzle (44). The cool air ducting system may be either spiralwound tubing or made from high density polyethylene plastic (HDPE) orany other suitable material.

Turning now to the interior of the box or container (12), it seen thatice or other endothermic substrate (15) may be provided on one or moreof the elevated grid platforms (22) and (24). Turning to FIG. 1, forexample, ice is provided on both platforms, the upper and the lower, andwith ice on the lower platform when the motor (30) is energized and airis directed through the air intake slots (16) and through the primaryintake vent (20B), it will go through the openings in the grid platformaround the ice and cool as it moves through the ice in both platformsand out the motor duct. Therefore, it is seen that the interior of thebox of a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 2 and 3may be categorized into three sections or zones, a warm air zone (28A)which represents the zone or location in the interior of the warm aircoming in from outside of the box (12) before striking any ice. A secondzone is a transition zone (28C) where warm air is in the process ofbeing cooled. For example, in FIG. 1, the transition zone is locatedfrom the bottom of the lower grid (24) to the top of the ice on theupper grid (22). This air is actively being cooled as opposed to beingbelow (or downstream) or above (or upstream) the ice. The third zonewithin the chamber is cool air zone (28B) which is above or upstream ofthe last of the ice or other endothermic substrate (15). Note that asheat is absorbed by the phase change occurring in the melting of theice, the warmest air will be first striking the ice on the lower grid(24). As the ice melts, water will drip to the bottom of the box (12)and will rise to a point where it may occlude primary intake vent (20B)(see FIG. 1A). With the motor (30) running, this will allow secondaryintake valve (26) to open and air to flow through secondary intake vent(20C). This air will then proceed through the ice or other endothermicsubstrate (15) located on the upper grid platform (24) and be exhaustedout of the interior of the box (12) through motor duct (34). Thearrangement and number of the grids and air intakes within the interiorof the box (12) may be several. The function, however, is to provide forthe passage of air from vents or slots (16) into the interior and acrossor adjacent an endothermic substrate (15) such that there may be a heatexchange between the endothermic substrate absorbing heat (and typicallyundergoing a phase change) and the air adjacent the endothermicsubstrate (15) losing heat (cooling off) as it moves through the boxand, eventually leaves through duct work or other arrangements.

Turning now, for example, to FIG. 5, it is seen that in lieu of frame(18) there may be a drop-in box (48) which will fit within the interiorof box (12), which drop-in box (48) includes walls (48A) and at thebottom thereof lower intake vents (50). The drop-in box (48) alsoincludes between walls (48A) substrate support members (52) upon whichmay be placed an appropriate endothermic substrate (15) for elevationabove lower intake vents (50). However, with the lower intake vents (50)in the position illustrated in FIG. 5, this embodiment would typicallyprovide for an endothermic substrate (15) which is self-contained anddoes not drip to leave a liquid phase at the bottom of the box (12) soas to occlude or block lower intake vents (50). Such substrates mayinclude dry ice or blue ice gel packs. With the blue ice gel pack, whenthe liquid contained therein undergoes a phase change from solid toliquid, it will not drip to the bottom of the box (12) because it iscontained in a pouch or other membrane. Dry ice on the other hand, willsublimate directly from the solid phase to the gaseous phase.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate preferred embodiment of Applicant's heatreduction system (10A). This embodiment has, in place of or in additionto the air intake slot (16) (see FIG. 1) located in or as part of lid(14), side air intake slots (16A) (upper) and/or (16B) (lower). If theendothermic substrate (15) to be used is one which does not release theliquid for accumulation in the bottom of the box (12), then the lowerair intake slots (16B) may be used and frame (18), of whateverconfiguration, or drop-in box (48) will hold or maintain the endothermicsubstrate (15) above or upstream of the lower slots. On the other hand,upper slots (16A) represent a preferred alternative to slots (16) whichare found in the lid (14). However, if upper slots (16A) are to be used,then it is typical that a liquid forming endothermic substrate (15) willbe used which will accumulate a liquid in the bottom of the box (12).Moreover, if upper slots (16A) are used, then it is likely that there iseither flue or duct work inside of the box (12) that will direct airentering upper slots (16A) down to or near the bottom of the box (12)and vents to allow the same air to go up and through the endothermicsubstrate (15). FIG. 6 also illustrates the use of a drain (54). A drainis an accessory feature that will allow a liquid accumulating on or nearthe bottom of the lid to be drained. An additional optional featureillustrated in FIG. 6 are handles (56) or tie-down points (56A) whichmay be provided on one or more sides of the exterior of the box (12) forconvenience in handling and carrying the unit or securing the unit in avehicle.

FIG. 6 illustrates the flaps (57) which may be used with the side airintake slots (16A) and/or (16B) as set forth in FIG. 6. Flaps (57)include wall member (57A) for sealing off the slot when the motor (30)is not energized. The wall, member (57A) pivots on a pair of hinge ends(57B) mounted on the interior wall of the cabinet just above the top ofthe side wall mounted intake slots to allow the flaps (57) to hangvertically and close slot when the motor (30) is off. While the airintake slots (16A) and (16B) may be left open, a flap (57) is desirablein order to minimize exposure of the air outside the box (12) to theendothermic substrate (15) when the unit is not in operation. Note thatthe lid (14) located air intake slots (16) (see FIG. 1) may also have avariation of the flap (57), namely one that may be normally closed viaspring loaded, hydraulic or even electric means, in conjunction with themotor (30) such that when the motor (30) is running the flap (57) is atleast partially open. See FIG. 6A for use of a quarter cylinder door(59) for use in conjunction with lid and slots 16. Here door (59)includes hinges (59A) on which door member (59B) hangs, which optionallymay have a weight (59C) to help it maintain vertical or closed positionwhen the blower motor (30) is off. The gravity mounted flaps, of course,can respond to the change in pressure between the outside of the box(12) and the inside that is created when the motor (30) is energized byopening.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of alternate preferred embodiment ofintake slot 116 of lid 14 which alternate preferred embodiment includesa lid door 116A dimension to effectively block off the opening defininga lid slot 116. The lid door 116A is biased into a closed position withthe use of a counterweight 116B which may be hung from a hinge point116C. The hinge point will allow the lid door to articulate andcounterweight 116B which is offset below hinge point 116C on a supportstrut 116D will hold the door in a closed position absent a vacuum drawnin the container.

Applicant's unit is powered by a blower motor (30). This motor isattached to a high speed fan or prop (32) which is responsible forsucking outside air through vents, then substrate and blowing out theresulting cool air through the ducting system to cool the user or cabinair mass. Each heat reduction unit typically has at least one motor,but, depending on the size of the unit's substrate mass and the heatingrequirements, may have multiple motors. These motors may be mounted inthe lid (see FIG. 7), but other mounting locations on and off the box(12) may be used.

Applicant's blower motor (30) may be electrical, either AC or DC.Pneumatic motors are also possible. AC motors may be 110 volts, 220volts or other available AC voltage. DC motors may be 6 volts, 12 volts,24 volts, 28 volts or any workable voltage, depending upon the poweravailability in the environment in which it is used. Pressures for apneumatic or hydraulic motor will also depend on availability by may beavailable from a duct mounted on the aircraft exterior. The motor issized to deliver sufficient air flow through the endothermic substratesufficient to cool the user or intended target. For example, Applicanthas tested 3-inch 12 volt or a 24 volt DC motor capable of delivering140 standard cubic feet per minute and a 4-inch 12 volt or 24 volt DCmotor capable of delivering 245 standard cubic feet per minute whichboth proved satisfactory.

In an alternate preferred embodiment, Applicant provides a multiplicityof individual motors either mounted in the lid, (see FIG. 7) or at theoutlet end of the duct work (see FIGS. 11 and 14). With such anembodiment, each user may have a switch to turn on his or her motor anda rheostat or other fan motor speed control device to control thevelocity of the air through the duct. The motor still functions thesame, however, sucking air through the intake slots past a substrate andthrough duct work to be directed at a user or intended target.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system of duct work comprising spiral wound tubes(58) which attach to the blower duct (34) and may include splitter T's(60) for splitting the airflow between a number of branches (58A, 58B,58C or 58D). At the removed end of the spiral wound tubes are typicallyprovided cool air outlet nozzles (44) that may or may not includedirectional adjuster (46). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7,attached to the tubes (58) at or near the removed and thereof is a flatpositioning member (62) that is intended to extend, part way across aseat as illustrated such that an occupant may sit with the positioningmember between his body and the seat and therefore maintain a positionadjacent the seat with the nozzle directed anywhere (see FIG. 13B), asfor example across the occupant's crotch, abdomen, torso and even faceif the user so desires.

FIG. 8 illustrates variable outlet valve (64) with a selector switch(64A) with a control knob (66) incorporated therewith that may directair between either one or both of a pair of cool air outlets ports (68A)and (68B). The selector switch may be mounted to the end of the spiralwound tube or tubing (58).

FIG. 9 illustrates Applicant's heat reduction system (10) being used inthe cabin of a light aircraft. The cool air outlet nozzle (44) ispointed at the seated pilot's head and shoulders to provide reliefthereto. The unit is placed in the seat next to the pilot and strappedin with the aircraft's seatbelt system.

FIG. 10 illustrates a unit having an anti-backflow valve (69) situatedadjacent to blower motor (29). The purpose of the anti-backflow valve(69) is such that when one or more of a multiplicity of motors (see FIG.7) are not in use while the rest are operating, the anti-backflow valveprevents air from flowing backward through that motor's duct to bypassthe substrate and go out to the unit uncooled. Anti-backflow valve (69)has flap (71) that will normally lay across blower motor outlet (73)when the motor (30A) is not running. In this position, air cannot besecluded through out (73) when another motor is running, yet when motor(30A) is turned on, flap (71) will allow cool air to the ductworkdownstream. Note anti-backflow valve (69) will work even with one motor,if the motor is off, to prevent warm air from entering the box throughthe motor duct.

FIG. 11 illustrates a floor mounted cooler unit (10C) with housing (77)that is similar to the earlier embodiment except that each outlet nozzlehas its own blower motor and fan 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E. Each motortypically has its own on/off switch (73A, B, C and D) and rheostat (75A,B, C and D) to control the motor speed. These motors may run off theelectrical system of the vehicle or will be provided with their ownpower such as a battery (not shown). This embodiment typically does notuse an endothermic substrate.

FIG. 11A shows that housing (77) of the cooling unit (10C) illustratedin FIG. 11 may include a plenum chamber (79) with an HEPA filter (81)filtering the air coming from outside container (77) through the plenumand out into the tubing (83). The unit should be set on the floor wheretypically the coolest air in the enclosure will be located, and thecontainer may be used without a cooling substrate. The unit may be usedfor keeping surgeons cool in the operating room of a hospital.

FIGS. 11B and 11C illustrate a variation of Applicant's alternatepreferred cooling device (10D) illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 11A. In thisunit, the remote individually operated motors, (30B-E) draw air throughcontainer (77) which has a pair of plenums (79A) and (79B), both drawingfiltered air from the room or cabin with a mixing slide (85) in the wallof the unit for mixing air coming from the two plenums. In one of theplenums is mounted a standard commercial off-the-shelf refrigeration orcooling coil (83) of an air conditioning or cooling unit. While plenum(79A) pulls uncooled air in through the filter, the other (79B), has airpassing the cooling coil (83) as it goes to the user. Each motor isconnected to the tube which connects to the slides (85) or mixing valvesallowing individual settings based on a desired percentage of cooled andnoncooled air. This mixing combined with the rheostat control of the airvelocity allows a number of individual users to adjust theirmicroenvironment to their own individual comfort level.

Applicant also provides herein, with reference to FIG. 12, yet anotheruse of an invention related to cooling devices of the type anticipatedherein or of any other type that will provide cool airflow through acool air duct (72). The embodiment of the invention set forth in FIG. 12provides for a cool air duct (72) to be attached between an article ofclothing (70) of an individual, such as a shirt, wherein the outlet ormouth (74) of the cool air duct is inserted between the body of theindividual and the shirt or other article of clothing (70). Applicantrefers to this new invention as microenvironment cooling and is intendedto provide cool air in that layer of air immediately adjacent the skinof the user. It is that layer of air that requires cooling and, wherecooling capacity of a unit providing the cooling is limited, it isimportant that this air boundary immediately adjacent the skin of theuser is cooled. It is important in microenvironmental cooling to coolthe air layer directly adjacent the skin as compared to an entireairmass in which an occupant is located. There are a number of places inwhich microenvironment cooling may be effective. These include the cabinof an aircraft or other vehicle and the operating room in a hospital,where often a surgeon (see FIG. 15) must work under hot lights.

In FIGS. 13A, 14 and 15, Applicant illustrates the use of customdesigned microenvironmental nozzles (80) for insertion beneath anarticle of clothing (70). FIG. 14 provides one such custom nozzle (80)which nozzle includes a belt hook (82) for engagement with a belt of theuser as well as, optionally, a blower (29A) with blower motor and fanincorporated within the nozzle (80). Note that this nozzle (80) alsoincludes a tongue (84) which tongue may be used to keep the clothingsuch as the shirt off the skin of the user and provide a ready path forthe cool air coming out of the outlet (86) of nozzle (80).

FIG. 15. Illustrates applicants heat reduction system 10 including coolair distribution ducts (40) used with a custom nozzle (80) and customdesigned shirt (70A) wherein the nozzle and shirt are positively engagedto one another as by elastic (81) or stitching or any other means.

FIG. 16 illustrates another aspect of Applicant's invention which may beused by a firefighter. In this aspect of the invention, Applicantprovides a metallized protective suit (90) which covers the entirety ofthe body of the user, such as a firefighter. The firefighter wears anoxygen mask (92) and oxygen bottle (94) beneath the suit (90). There isa dry ice pack (96) within the suit with a blower motor (98) tocirculate air around the dry ice (100) which is located within thecontainer (102) of the dry ice pack (96). There are pressuredifferential releasing valves (104) that may be located at the neck,wrist or ankles to keep pressure in the suit constant and prevent itfrom overblowing as well as for keeping a constant flow of firesuppressing gas, such as CO₂, emanating around the firefighter.

FIGS. 16A through 20 illustrate an alternate preferred embodiment ofApplicant's novel portable air cooling device (10). In this alternatepreferred embodiment, several ends are achieved. First, Applicantprovides a small, light, portable air cooling device. Further, Applicantprovides a novel means for maintaining an air flow through ice containedin the air cooling device which air flow maximizes the contact betweenthe ice and the air passing through the device so as to maximizecooling. Applicant's novel portable air cooling device also provides foreasy refill of the ice and also a means to avoid spilling of watercreated by the ice.

These advantages and others are achieved in a portable air coolingdevice (10) as illustrated in FIGS. 16 through 20. This portable aircooling device may be used in vehicles including the cabin of a smallaircraft or in the interior of a recreational vehicle or “RV or anyother suitable place.” Further, this alternate preferred embodiment alsoprovides all of the advantages of the previous embodiment and as suchmay also be used in the operating room of a hospital, in conjunctionwith the cooling gown, vests or blankets that are provided in FIGS. 21Athrough 23B. Indeed, even when Applicant's novel portable air coolingdevice is used in the cabin of a vehicle, it may be engaged with a vest,gown or blanket, which would in turn be worn or draped over the user toprovide a cooling flow of air thereto.

In general, the novel alternate preferred embodiment illustrated in theaccompanying figures shows a portable air cooling device comprised ofprimarily two sections, insulated housing (112) typically having a lid(114) thereon, the housing for sitting atop and engaging, as set forthin more detail below, a base (120). The insulated housing is adapted toreceive ice therein and as a means for providing airflow therethrough,such as with a blower (116) having a blower outlet (118). The insulatedhousing is typically comprised of four sidewalls (112 a through 112 d),bottom walls (112 e), top walls (112 i) which may have a slot (112 j)therein (for receipt of the lid (114)) and lower corners (112 k). It isseen that the insulated housing (112) may be generally rectangular so asto have four sidewalls. Further, it is seen that insulated housing (112)has bottom walls, herefor, configured to define a grate opening (112L).Bottom walls are slanted so ice (I) sitting in the interior of theinsulated housing will, at it melts, be centered on a grate (113) fittedto cover the grate opening (112L). Grate (113) will hold back the iceand maintain it in the interior of the insulated housing. Further,because the bottom walls are slanted towards the grate opening, the icewill collect there, under the impetus of gravity and, air flow beingdirected as it is through the grate opening from below upwards towardthe top of the insulated container and out the blower outlet (118), itis seen that the effect, as the ice melts to drip into the base (112) isto direct the air flow across and through the ice. The further effect ofcentering the grate in the grate opening at the low point on theinsulated housing is to cause the ice to collect there. This improvesthe efficiency of the cooling.

The insulated housing is typically physically separable from the base.Base (120) is designed to engage the insulated housing in a manner suchthat the water from the ice melting on the grate drips into the interiorthereof and will collect therein.

Base (120) is seen to have a bottom wall (120 a), sidewalls (120 b),pillars (120 c), top wall (120 e), having notches (120 f) therein, andthe top wall further having air cutouts or ports (120 g). Functionallytherefore, the base is designed to receive on a top surface thereof theinsulated housing. Furthermore, the insulated housing is dimensioned,and the base is dimensioned to receive the insulated housing such that,when the two are joined, the grate opening is below top wall (120 e) ofthe insulated housing and water dripping through the grate will becontained within the interior of the base and spilling and sloshing ofwater is prevented by having a top wall (120 e) above the grate opening(120L) of the housing.

The base is also adapted to receive the insulated housing thereon in astable and efficient manner, and to hold in position the insulatedhousing to the base so that the grate opening is properly centered inthe top wall in the manner set forth in the illustrations and in thesespecifications. One means of achieving such a positioning is provided inthe use of pillars (120 c) and notches (120 f). This stable engagementis achieved by dimensioning the opening in the top wall on the base andthe insulated housing such that lower corners (112 k) of the housing fitinto bosses in pillars (120 c) as set forth in FIG. 16 and, so engaged,the edges between the four walls of the bottom wall seat in the fournotches (120 f).

Applicant's novel portable air cooling device (10) provides a separatecontainer for ice, shown in FIG. 16A as insulated housing (112) and aseparate container for ice melt, base (120). Moreover, the containersare centered one to the other with the insulated housing above the baseto allow fluid flow as the ice melts of the cold water into the baseunder the impetus of gravity. Further, a convenient tool-less frictionfit is provided to engage the housing to the base. Typically, theinterior of the base will define a volume that is capable of receivingmelt from all of the ice that can be placed in the interior of thehousing, without reaching the underside of the top wall of the base. Atypical volume for the interior of the housing may be 50 liters or up to200 liters for larger requirements. Typical units (base and housing) maybe 8-12″ wide, 12-16″ long and up to 30″ high.

Turning now to the means of air flow, blower (116) is provided with ablower outlet (118) for creating a low pressure within the interior ofthe housing. This is done by a blower fan in ways known in the art orset forth herein. A blower grate (119) is provided adjacent the blowerfor preventing ice or other debris from entering the blower. The blowermay be part of a lid (114), or be mounted to a lid. The blower may bepowered by any convenient power supply. The lid (114) may include tongue(114 a) for engaging the pair of slots (112 j) in the top walls of theinsulated housing. This provides an easy slide-on and slide-off lid thatis still an effective air seal as the tongues engage the slots snugly.

In a first version of Applicant's alternate preferred embodiment, airfrom the surroundings will be drawn in through the grate (113) upthrough the ice and out blower outlet (118). It may be directed by meansillustrated in other portions of this application, to the trunk and/orface of a user through a cool air conduit or a multiplicity of conduitsdirected to a multiplicity of users. On the other hand, air at bloweroutlet (118) may be directed, through an appropriate tube or conduit, toa garment such as a vest or a blanket or the like. Such a garment orblanket or the like may contain a multiplicity of holes to cool a useron which such member is draped. This version of Applicant's novelportable air cooling device (10) would be a “total loss” system in whichair is cooled and then applied to a user. However, Applicant alsoprovides a recirculation means for use in a version of Applicant's aircooling device in which air is pumped from a blower into a member, suchas an inflatable vest, gown or a blanket, or even a “mummy bag” and someof the cool air is lost through small perforations in the member,designed to provide cool air to the wearer, but which member alsocontains a return tube for bringing air back to a recirculation pipe(122) (see FIG. 16A). The recirculation pipe would receive air from aremote member which air would be part of a “semi-closed” system andwhich return air would be directed through a recirculation pipe,typically with an intake port (122 a) near the top of the sidewalls ofthe housing. The recirculation pipe (122) may include a down tube (122b) in the interior of the housing which down tube ends in outlet port(122 c), which outlet port (122 c) is typically located in one of thebottom wall sections (112 e). In this “semi-closed” system, some of theair originally leaving blower outlet (118) will be expelled from apressurized member through holes to cool a wearer, while other air willflow back into recirculation pipe (122) to be cooled as it flows throughice located in the interior of the housing and is expelled into thespace between the bottom walls of the housing and the top wall of thebase—that is, is expelled into the interior of the base to join ambientair which is being drawn into the grate opening under the impetus of thelow pressure generated by blower fan (118) on the interior of thehousing.

Applicant also provides a drain (124) adjacent the bottom of thesidewalls of the base to drain water collected therein. Drain may beconnected, as illustrated in FIG. 19, to a handheld squeeze pump (124)to provide an outlet for drinking water or the like. Elastic cordtiedowns (213) will hold the air cooling device (10) to a supportsurface to stabilize the device.

FIG. 20 illustrates a protective grate (126) containing a disk (128)designed to “float” with in the grate such that when the air coolingdevice is in an upright position, the disk will lay at the bottom of thegrate, but if the device is tipped over, disk (128) will slide up andcover motor intake grate (119). This would allow aerobatics if thecooler were uses in an aircraft interior.

FIGS. 21A, 21B and 21C all illustrate a vest (140), the vest having aport (140A) attached thereto for receipt of cool air from Applicant'snovel portable air chilling device (10). The vest is intended for usewhere needed, for example, underneath a surgeon's scrub gown.Perforations or holes (140B) are provided in the underside of the vestto provide cool air to the body of the wearer. The underside holes coolthe thorax, the neck and shoulders. Portions of the vest wrap over theshoulder (142) and fold across the armpit (144) to cool the underside ofthe upper arm. FIG. 21A provides a front view of the vest and FIG. 21Billustrates a back view of the vest. FIG. 21C shows the novel vest in anunfolded position and shows fusion seams (140C) that break up theinterior of the vest into a multiplicity of channels so as to distributecool air received through port (140A) from the blower to a number ofpoints on the body.

Thus, FIG. 21C illustrates a typical pattern for the portion of the vestadjacent the body. The vest may be made of plastic coated paper or anyother suitable material. The paper may be fused to a light plasticmember along the exterior perimeter thereof to form a disposable vesthaving a plastic sheet on one side and a paper sheet on the other.Illustrated is a vest with a “total loss” system. However, a second portor return port (not shown) may be provided if a “semi-closed” system isdesired.

FIG. 22 illustrates a gown (201) to be worn by an individual, which gown(201) is attached to a cool air source including a container (216), viahose (218). The container (216) may be similar to any of the coolingdevices disclosed above or may be any other suitable source of cool air.Gown (201) may, in a preferred embodiment, be rectangular and comprisedof outer member (201A) and inner member (201B), the two memberssimilarly dimensioned and joined at an outer perimeter (201C), as wellas at an inner perimeter (201D), the inner perimeter defining a headhole (203).

Any sealing means, such as glue, heat or the like, may be used to sealthe inner and outer members. The inner and outer members may be joinedso as to define in members (202A and 202B) and longitudinal members(204A through 204F). The function of end members, longitudinal membersor other sealing between the inner and outer members is to createchambers within the gown to channel cool air received into the gownuniformly throughout the gown so as to provide uniform cooling to thewearer. The gown may include an inflatable segment (208). The undersidemay contain a multiplicity of small holes of perforations (210) therein.Gown (201) may be include one or more ports (206A and 206B). Both portsmay be provided to bring cool air from a cool air source into the gownor one may be used for a return port as in a “semi-closed” system. Thegown is typically worn like a surgeon's gown and it may be tied off byties.

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate a system (300) including an ice chest (302)or other ice containing insulated container for providing cool air in asemi-closed system to a vest or other article (304). Motors (306) may beprovided in the “out” and/or “return” lines as illustrated in FIG. 22Aand a temperature regulator (308) may be provided in the “out” (coolair) line to the vest. Temperature regulator box (308) may include arectangular housing (308A) for receiving air and passing air therethrough in a wire line (309) controlled butterfly valve (308B) which maybe open to allow warmer air to mix with cool air. These are member whichmay be included in a system for cooling an individual, which systemcontains a perforated garment, bag or blanket to be used adjacent thewearer. Cool air may be provided by the unique devices enclosed hereinor any other suitable device.

FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate inflatable members for receiving cool airincluding: a sleeping bag (310) here “mummy bag” and a rectangularcooling blanket (312).

FIG. 24 illustrates a configuration that allows air to be drawn into ablower box (400) from a room air conditioner outlet (402) to a flexibleduct (404). The blower box (400) includes a blower motor for (406) andone or more foot control pedals (408) to control the flow and pressureto one or more blower box outlets (410) which can be connected byconduits to one or more surgical garments for cooling of the surgeons.

Applicant's cooling blanket, sleeping, vest and other cool air receivinginflatable garments set forth herein provide cool micro environments toa wearer. They typically include an impermeable outer shell and aperforated or porous inner lining which will allow cool air to filter tothe user to maintain thermal barrier against outside heat. A blower willtypically produce sufficient cool air flow to keep the garment filled.One may recirculate previously cooled air to the cooling chamber (viaice, dry ice or even an air conditioning coil) to be cooled again andagain. Two advantages are achieved by applicants cool air inflatedgarments. First, air is a good insulator and thus an effective thermalbarrier is created between the wearer and his environment. Second,active cooling occurs (in the “total loss” or “semi-closed” systems) byproviding a draft of cool air directed to the skin.

FIGS. 25A through FIG. 38D illustrate another novel cooling system (andparts thereof) for use in a surgical theatre or operating room or anyother area or environment which cooling of the body is required ordesirable.

Radiant heat gain from the surgical lights is a primary reason why asurgeon sweats profusely beneath his cloth surgical outer gown. As thewattage of surgical lights in an operating room may range between 2000and 10,000 watts, radiant heat gain may be extensive and severe.Temperatures beneath the surgical gown may reach 115° F. as radiant heatis conducted through the gown to the skin causing sweating anddiscomfort. To combat this, the surgeon and other gowned personnel willoften drop operating room air temperatures down to between 55 and 68degrees F. Hot surgeons are the primary reason for cold operating rooms.Cold operating rooms lead to problems with surgical patient hypothermiaand it's attendant ramifications and patient complications.

To help overcome these and other problems, applicant provides a novelcooler vest which is designed to control the local micro environment ofthe surgeon (or any other wearer) to make this micro environmentcomfortable despite a harsh macro environment.

While Applicant's vest design has a number of components, variations andmodifications, it is designed for the surgeon or other medicalpersonnel. However, it may equally benefit any other person who requirescontrol of the micro environment as a result of extreme ambientconditions. One or more of the features discussed below will prove to bebeneficial of the user of the cooler vest.

The cooler vests helps eliminate moisture build up adjacent the skin.Elimination of moisture from skin in a tightly enclosed environment willhelp relieve the discomfiture that is the result of wearing currenttight fitting waterproof garments. Applicant's novel cooler vestutilizes a rapidly moving and pressurized column of cool air to preventradiant heat from the surgical lights from getting into the body of thesurgeon and thus making him hot and uncomfortable. This column orcolumns of cooled air is either drawn and filtered from the coolest airin the room (usually adjacent the floor) or heat exchange coils such asan air conditioner, or from Applicant's novel sources of cooled airdisclosed herein. When Applicant's cooler vest is used beneath thestandard prior art surgical gown, the rapid movement of air washing outthe naturally occurring humidity allows the surgeon to be comfortable.

As radiant heat gain is also a primary cause of surgeon overheating anddiscomfort Applicant's novel cooler vest may eliminate this heat fromreaching the surgeon by the use of a swift column of cool air movingthrough the cooler vest which is typically worn beneath the sterilegown. The cool air of Applicant's cooler vest absorbs heat beneath thegown and blows cool air out through vents at the neck and axillae andvia perforations on the inner skin of the cooler vest.

To assist in the dehumidification beneath the gown and cooling,Applicant's novel cooler vest has multiple holes on the inner surface ofthe vest and also ports a rapidly moving air stream toward the chest,back, neck, axillae and flanks at about 2 to 3 miles an hour. Thismoving air is ported within the vest and posteriorly and exhaustedthrough backward (posterior) pointing vents, away from the surgicalfield to help prevent contamination. Applicant may also provide theinner surface of the surgical vest with a multiplicity of ports so as todirect air from the pressurized column directly against the skin of thewearer at a 2 to 3 mile an hour breeze thus dehumidifying and coolingthe skin.

Further protection against radiant heat gain may be provided byutilizing an outer surface of the cooler vest that incorporates ametallized film or other appropriate barrier onto such outer surface.With this feature the cooler vest will reflect very significant portionsof radiant heat falling on the surgical gown, thus keeping the surgeoncooler. This radiant barrier may be applied to the surface of the outerplastic skin of the vest or integrated into the plastic skin itself. Onematerial that may be used for this outer skin is Dupont Eagle-Shield® areflective plastic sheet.

Airflow from Applicant's novel cooler vest is typically directedposteriorly to prevent potentially contaminated air from being directedtoward a patient with open surgical wounds. However airflow from thecooler vest may be modified to direct all neck vents and other ventsupward toward the head and neck whether anteriorly or posteriorly, whencontamination is not deemed to be a problem.

Airflow within the cooler vest is pressurized to at least about 1″ ofwater pressure (preferably 6 to 15 inches) with flows high enough topressurize the tubes and to effect a slight breeze within a surgicalgown, with all out flow typically directed posteriorly. This has theeffect of washing out skin generated humidity and therefore discomfort.While the outer skin is typically impermeable without perforationsexcept for directed jets at exposed skin, the inner surface of the vesttypically has ports or jets to “breath” cool air against the skin of thewearer.

Thus, the prevention of heat gain from surgical or other light sourcesand further washout of any radiant heat gain that may be conductedthrough the outer garment to the skin, along with the washout of skingenerated humidity are the principal means by which the cooler vestprevents discomfort to the wearer. Applicant provides a combination, ina micro environment, of radiant heat gain prevention, dehumidification,and thermal washout using pressurized air columns, radiant heat barrierand posterior venting of exhausted air.

Turning to FIGS. 25A and 25B, Applicant provides a novel cooler gown orvest 500 which is comprised of an outer surface 502 and an inner surface504 for covering all or part of the torso, and typically worn under asurgical Sg. The outer surface and the inner surface define a bodyformed into a multiplicity of air carrying tubes 506 pressured from anysource 501 of high pressure cool air sufficient to maintain tubeinflation, including any cool air source disclosed herein. Cooler gownor vest 500 may include a multiplicity of jets 508, which jets aredirected to exposed skin typically posteriorly. The tubes 506 are ingaseous communication with an inlet port 510 which is fed cool air froma cool air hose 514. Optionally an outlet port 512 may be provided toexhaust any air remaining in the tubes. Typically, however, all air isexhausted through the jets. A valve 640 may be provided at the vest forcontrolling the amount of air entering the vest. Also provided, as willbe seen with respect to FIGS. 36A-36C below, is a foot operated airpressure and air flow regulator. Either may be used, or both.

Cooler gown or vest 500 is typically worn under the typical lightweightcotton surgical gown Sg. The inner fabric of cooler gown or vest 500 mayinclude inner surface jets 516 which direct air directly to the surfaceof the wearer. The inner surface 504 may be made from a breathable ornon breathable fabric and may be with or without the inner surface portsor jets 516. One material used for the inner surface may be alightweight paper or cotton.

Outer surface 502 may be made with or without a radiant barrier such asa metallic or reflective foil. One material for use as an outer surfaceis lightweight plastic or Dupont Eagle-Shield® plastic. The outer andinner surfaces are preferably made from fabric between 1 and 50 milthick, most preferably between 2 and 12 mil thick.

FIGS. 26 through 28 illustrate Applicant's novel cooler vest 500 withinner surface ports or jets 516 breathing cool air from pressurizedtubes directly to the skin of the wearer—in other words these innersurface jets generally are directed against the skin that is covered bythe inner surface of the cooler vest. On the other hand, jets 508 aretypically directed to exposed skin that is not covered by the coolergown 500. FIG. 27 illustrates the effect of the use of a radiant heatbarrier such as Dupont Eagle-Shield® plastic 518. Surgical gown Sg is atypical prior art surgical gown and Applicant's novel cooler vest 500 istypically worn beneath it.

FIG. 28 illustrates a multiplicity of jets 508 formed in a manner setforth below, which typically direct airflow posteriorly at the neck andtowards the midline of the armpit at the axillae. The underside of thecooler vest is formed from fabric or paper that conforms to the contoursof the human body and is appropriately perforated to diffuse cool air tothe torso from the vest.

FIGS. 29A and 29B illustrate the use of Applicant's novel cooler vestbeneath a “spacesuit” or encompassing surgical gown 520. Here, a simplemodification of the cooler vest with an anterior facing jet vent at thebase of the neck provides a flow of cool air which will not only clearface plate 526 but will provide a refreshing airflow to the entire faceand scalp. Thus, Applicant provides a novel variation having anteriorlydirected jets 522 that do not risk contamination because of the use ofthe enclosure around the head. Further, air may be exhausted through aposteriorly directed vent 524. This directs all potentially contaminatedair away from the surgical field. Anterior facing vent or jet 522 forcesa stream of air against face plate 526 clearing it of fog andcondensation. Some of the pressurized air in the tubes of the coolervest circulates through the hood and exits posteriorly through vent 524and some exits through jets 516 or exits through the back of thesurgical gown if an outlet port 512 is utilized. Such “spacesuits” 520are now frequently used during circumstances where the patient is at aspecial risk getting or giving an infection from or to surgicalpersonnel. This gown traps perspiration more than regular gown Sg andmoisture is not uncommon on the faceplate 526 of the surgical hood.Thus, the use of Applicant's novel cooler vest 500 with some of themodifications set forth in FIGS. 29A and 29B will prove beneficial.

FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate additional features of Applicant's novelcooler vest 500 as well as mechanisms for airflow regulation anddirection within and about the cooler vest. These figures illustrate theuse of welds 528, blocker welds 530, a manifold 532 and tube intakeports 534. Cool air from a cool air source is directed to the coolervest 500 through the use of cool air hose 514. This cool air may bedeposited into a common area or manifold 532 which feeds the pressurizedtubes through a multiplicity of tube intake ports 534. The tubes aredefined by seams or welds 528 between the outer surface 502 and innersurface 504 may be and manufactured in a manner set forth below.Variations in the size of the opening of each air tube at tube intakeport 534 may be used to regulate the amount of airflow and directionwithin the vents. One could also include the angulation of a particulartube to the main access of the airflow, as illustrated in FIG. 30B tocontrol the airflow in that tube. Tubes that are in a direct line withthe airflow from air hose 514 tend to get more airflow than tubes thatare on an angle or that have narrower tube intake ports. Likewise, FIG.30B illustrates the use of blocker welds 530 to partially block one ormore of the inlet ports of the air tubes. The frequency and length ofweld openings 535 in the welds create sections of cross flow between onetube and an adjacent tube to increase or decrease localized air flowareas of the vest as desired. More openings and/or larger openings willtypically increase such cross flow.

FIG. 30A illustrates that differences in the sizes and spacing of theinner surface jets 516 may be used to regulate airflow and directionwithin the vest. Smaller and/or fewer holes would decrease airflow andlarger or a greater multiplicity of holes will increase airflow. Thesame may be done for the vents or jets 508 that are designed to wash andcool exposed skin. Smaller jets or a fewer number of these jets willdecrease airflow and larger or greater number of these jets willincrease airflow. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 30A and 30B there maybe differences in the sizes (diameter) and number of air tubes 506.Moreover, air pressure in cooled air hose 514 may be regulated by ormore of Applicant's novel regulation means disclosed and/or by any otherconventional means known in the prior art.

FIG. 31 illustrates a system for cooling personnel at fixed commercialoperations. FIG. 31 illustrates, for example, a multiuse system on anassembly line. Illustrated is the use of a conventional cold air source536 such as an air conditioner or other heat exchanger or other means ofproducing cold air or the use of one of Applicant's novel air chillingdevices 538 as disclosed herein. Providing cool air pressure and a pumpfeed line 542 (low side) to a pump 540 such as an air pressuring pump ora regenerative pump which will produce cool high pressure in adownstream high pressure line 544. One or more directable nozzles orpersonal ports 546 may be used to cool air adjacent working personnel.Further, cool air from high pressure line 544 may be directed, throughthe use of cool air hose 514 to Applicant's novel cooler vest 500. Thus,Applicant, in FIG. 31 illustrates a multiple use system utilizing anddistributing cool air from a conventional cold air source 536 or one ofApplicant's novel cool air sources 538 to workers at a fixed commercialoperation. FIG. 37 illustrates a cooled cushion 63° that may also be fedwith line 544 in the setting set forth in FIG. 31.

Turning now to FIG. 32A Applicant discloses a mobile commercialoperation using the cooler vest 500. In this system a motor vehicle 548which may contain a standard air conditioning system and/or one of thenovel cold air sources 538 disclosed herein may be used to cool a workerwearing a cooler vest 500. A motor vehicle air conditioner adaptor andhose apparatus 552 may be used to duct air from the air conditioningsystem of the motor vehicle to a pump 540 which will then pump the coolair through cool air hose 514 to the cooler vest 500. Pump 540 may bepowered by a lead 554 which will engage the electrical system of theautomobile through, for example, a DC outlet or the cigarette lighteroutlet of the motor vehicle. FIG. 32B illustrates a “T” junction 551 forplacement in a line carrying cool air from an auto air conditioner unitto the air conditioner outlets in the auto's interior. Hose apparatus552 is placed on the leg of the “T” and a valve 553 is placed in theupstream arm of the “T” junction. Closing valve 553, such as a butterflyvalve, will shunt cool air from the a/c unit to gown or vest 500.

FIG. 33 illustrates a manner for compound manufacturing of Applicant'snovel cooler vest 500. This method utilizes three rolling drums 556, 558and 560. Drum 556 is a vacuum forming drum for the plastic outer skin.Drum 558 is a heated drum for forming and contouring the fabric or paperinner skin that comprises the cooler vest. Drum 560 is a heated receiverroller drum for the fabric or paper inner skin. Arrows show thedirection of drum rotation. Drum 556 is fed plastic film 562. It isformed in the surface thereof cavity 564 including projections 566 and568 which define the shape of the outer skin of the cooler vest.

The drums are matched and interlock physically and speedwise. Drum 556rolls a sheet of plastic film (the plastic may be preheated forvacu-forming) onto a cavity and is vacu-formed to the contours of theplastic outer skin of the cooler vest, complete with preformed channelssuch that the final product will conform to the human torso withoutcollapsing those channels. Vents 508 (see FIG. 25A) are formed at thistime. A recessed and movable steel cubing rule 565 is embedded at theedge of the forming recess and comes out to cut the formed vest afterthe tubes are welded together. Recess 569 on projection 568 of drum 558receives this steel rule from drum 556. Fused paper/plastic 570 resultsfrom heat and pressure between drums 556 and 558. Paper 572 is fedbetween drums 558 and 560 and is formed to define the inner surface ofthe vest, and any vents or ports therein when projection 568 of drum 558matches and seats with recess 574 on drum 560. Drums 558 and 560together form the fabric or paper inner skin of the cooler vest. Theyinterlock to form the inner skin.

Drum 556 may carry a flash heater on the edges of the projections aroundwhich the chambers or tubes are formed such that as the plastic isrolled into contact with the paper at drum 558 the flash heater isactivated and the paper and plastic are welded together. After suchwelding the recessed cutting steel rule of drum 556 is activated andfires into the recess 569 of drum 558 cutting out the cooler vest soformed and welded. The vest drops away from the spoil of the fusedplastic/paper roll. The vests are then vacuumed free of all remainingair after the injection molded pieces are attached and then folded andpackaged ready for boxing up and sale.

Thus the cooler vest is manufactured to conform to the contours of thehuman torso without collapsing the air tubes. Vacuum forming rollerdrums, flash heaters and recess rules are used for continuousmanufacturing synchronously in an automated assembly line. Other knownmeans of joining paper and plastic together such as heat fusion, glue,etc., may be used.

A number of blower boxes or other sources of pressurized cool air aredisclosed in this patent application. Further, prior art sources ofpressurized cool air also exist. Applicant provides in connection withFIGS. 34 through 36C an apparatus for easily and positively connecting acooler air hose with a blower box. For example, turning to FIG. 34Applicant discloses a wall of a blower box wall 580 which includes aspring loaded flap door 582 biased to spring inward, and will open inresponse to the insertion of a hose connector 590. Spring loaded door582 is designed to cover port 583 where the cool air hose is connectedand disconnected. In such a configuration, hinge 584 which may include aspring, will bias the flap door 582 towards a closed position. Wall 580of the blower box includes an outlet shroud 586 with canted inner walls587. The canted inner walls 587 include pin receiving holes 588 forreceiving pins 592. A hose connector 590, which is typically connectedto a hose for transporting cool air from the blower box to a source,includes canted outer walls 591. Outer walls 591 are canted at about thesame angle as inner walls 587 and are designed to effect a seal betweeninner walls 587 and outer walls 591 when hose connector 590 is pushedthrough port 583 and biased locking pins 592 located at the ends of alocking pin spring 594 seat into pin receiving holes 588. Note that thenose of the hose connector 590 will urge door 582 out of the closedposition thus effecting a flow of air through the hose connector 590 toa remote source.

FIG. 35A illustrates another view of the hose connector 590 for use witha blower box. In this figure hose connector 590 is seen to include anannular ejector ring 598 at the end of the hose connector that attachesto the hose 596. That is, where hose connector 590 joins hose 596ejector ring is located for use with Applicant's novel hose ejectorplate seen in FIG. 36A, for disconnecting the hose from the blower box.

FIG. 35B illustrates a coupler 600 which has a tapered inner surface602. The walls of the coupler include pin receiving pocket 604. Thiswill allow coupling between the cooler vest and a hose such as hose 596or cool air hose 514 to bring cool air to the cooler vest.

FIGS. 36A through 36C illustrates Applicant's use of a hose disconnectfoot operated apparatus 606 and an air regulatory apparatus 610, alsofoot operated. Disconnect apparatus 606 includes foot pedal 608 whichincludes hinge 609, which hinge is engaged to blower box, typically atwall 580. Foot operated pedal 608 includes an arm 608A on which a plate608B is mounted, the arm and plate dimensioned to fit between ejectorring 598 of hose connector 590 and the outer perimeter of outlet shroud586 when the hose connector 590 is fully seated in the shroud and springloaded flap door 582 articulating on a spring 601 is in the openposition. FIG. 38D is an exploded view of a rotary valve for use withApplicant's present invention.

FIGS. 36A through 36C illustrates Applicant's use of a hose disconnectfoot operated apparatus 606 and an air regulatory apparatus 610, alsofoot operated. Disconnect apparatus 606 includes foot pedal 608 whichincludes hinge 609, which hinge is engaged to blower box, typically atwall 580. Foot operated pedal 608 includes an arm 608A on which a plate608B is mounted, the arm and plate dimensioned to fit between ejectorring 598 of hose connector 590 and the outer perimeter of outlet shroud586 when the hose connector 590 is fully seated in the shroud and springloaded flap door 582 articulating on a spring 601 is in the openposition.

The blower box may sit on suction cup feet 612 to assist in stabilizingthe blower box and positively affixing it to the floor (positioned, forexample, under an operating table). In the alternative, the blower boxand controls may be attached to the pedestal that supports the operatingtable. For the regulation of air, Applicant provides air regulatory footpedal 614 pivoting on hinge 611 engaged to the blower box, for example,on an upper wall thereof through the use of a hinge point. Foot pedal614 pivoting on hinge 611 engages a slide 616 which slide can movebetween a pair of walls defining a slide guide 618. Slide actuator arm620 connects slide 616 to regulatory foot pedal 614 as set forth inFIGS. 36B and 36C. Slide 616 is held in place adjacent to the proximalopen end of hose connector 590 when the hose connector is properlyseated in the cooler box. Depressing the near end of foot pedal 614 willpush the slide down and allow it to selectively cut off some or all ofthe airflow from the pressurized blower box through hose 596. Pressingthe foot pedal on the removed end will allow the slide to raise andallow more cool air to enter hose 596. As illustrated in FIG. 36C theremay be several hose disconnect apparatuses 606 as well as several airregulatory apparatuses 610 engaged with the single blower box.

FIG. 37 illustrates a novel cool cushion microenvironment for cooling aseated individual. Applicant's novel cool cushion 630 is typicallycomprised of a peripheral pipe 632 that may act as both a frame and ameans for distributing cool air. Peripheral pipe 632 acting as a framewill help support a foam 633 (or other non-inflated support base) andone or more inflatable, perforated air bladders 634, typically oneadjacent the buttocks and one adjacent the lower back. A cool air feedhose 635 is provided to feed air to peripheral pipe 632 for distributionthroughout cool cushion 630. Peripheral pipe 632 may have one or moreextensions 632A provided to carry pressurized cool air from feed hose635 into one or more of the perforated air bladders 634. Also, attachedto peripheral pipe 632 are one or more directional jets 636 for ventingcool air onto a seated occupant. In FIG. 37 a lower articulateddirectional jet 636 is provided for cooling the torso and/or face.Likewise a fixed posterior neck and scalp jet 637 is provided forcooling the neck and scalp area. Adjacent the sidewalls of the coolcushion are illustrated a pair of lateral articulated directional jetsfor the scalp, face, neck and axillae. A slide valve 638 is provided forregulating air at one or more of the jets. Also, rotary valve 640 may beused for regulating air entering the cool cushion or air entering thejets as disclosed in FIGS. 38A-38D. Rotary valve 640 consists of a pairof semicircular vanes 640A and 640B which are set against each other,placed in a housing 640C with a slot opening and rotated one withrespect to the other to provide for a fully open valve (FIG. 38A), halfopen valve as illustrated in FIG. 38B and a closed valve as illustratedin FIG. 38C or any variation between these positions.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limitedsense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well asalternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent topersons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of theinvention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims willcover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A system for cooling an individual, the systemcomprising: a delivery device to transfer cooling to the individual; anair conditioning unit having a pressurized blower box and a heatexchanger; and a flexible tube for connecting the air conditioning unitto the delivery device.
 22. The system of claim 21 wherein the deliverydevice is a vest.
 23. The system of claim 21 wherein the delivery deviceis a helmet.
 24. The system of claim 21 wherein the delivery device is acomforter.
 25. The system of claim 21 wherein the delivery device is amummy bag.
 26. The system of claim 21 wherein the delivery device is aspace suit.
 27. A system for cooling at least one individual, the systemcomprising: a delivery device to transfer cooling to the individual; anair conditioning unit having a pressurized blower box and a heatexchanger; at least one flexible tube for connecting the airconditioning unit to the delivery device; and a switching mechanism toselect the amount of cooling delivered to the at least one individual.28. The system of claim 27, wherein the switching mechanism is connectedbetween a seat on the delivery device and the flexible tubing.
 29. Thesystem of claim 28, wherein the switching mechanism switches between anunrestricted airflow entering the delivery device; a restricted airflowentering th delivery device; or no air flow entering the deliverydevice.
 30. The system of claim 28, wherein the switching mechanismchanges the amount of cooling delivered to the at least one individualvia a slide over the seat.